I love creating all kinds of mandalas from the various wisdom traditions and with a variety of materials.

Creating mandalas is a way of quieting the mind, focusing our energies and tuning into spiritual concepts. A yantra (Sanskrit for “instrument”) is one type of geometric mandala. A yantra usually contains sacred geometry that has been passed down through the Hindu tradition.

Meditating on a mandala draws you to the bindu (the center of the mandala) and enables you to go inward and discover your true nature. The bindu is the cosmic center of the yantra and represents the origin of the supreme consciousness from which everything comes forth and to which everything returns.

This is a basic Mahamrityunjaya yantra that I painted last year. First I constructed the yantra in the center and then I added symmetrical designs called vedic squares. Then I enhanced the painting with some images I choose and added several washes and layers to achieve the final result.

While creating your mandala, you hold sacred space and prayer in your mind. The mantra that is chanted for this mandala is hailed by the sages as the heart of the Vedas and is said to help you tune into the healing force that is always at work within you. You might be familiar with this sacred Sanskrit chant as it has been sung by many New Age singers lately:

Om.

Tryambakam yajamahe

Sugandhim pushti-vardhanam

Urvarukamiva bandhanan

Mrityor mukshiya mamritat

Simple translation : Om. We worship three-eyed Lord Siva, who is fragrant and who nourishes and nurtures all beings. As the ripened cucumber on the vine will hang until cut by the gardener, Lord Siva, liberate us from death to immortality.

This powerful mantra is said to remove obstacles and the fear of death and bring happiness and health to life. You can hear these verses here.